The Union course "Working Together: Strengthening the Implementation of Collaborative TB/HIV Activities" was held for the first time in Asia on 23–27 May 2011. The Union China Office organised the course, which was held in Beijing for 30 participants from 13 provinces, the National Center of Tuberculosis Prevention and Control (NCTB) and National Center of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control (NCAIDS).
The 4-1/2 day course focused on topics such as diagnosing HIV in TB patients, intensive TB case finding among people living with HIV, isoniazid preventive therapy for people living with HIV/AIDS, infection control, drug supply management and antiretroviral therapy (ART) as a tool for TB prevention. A team approach was used to encourage communication and collaboration between TB and AIDS representatives. The situation in each province was presented and analysed at the beginning of the course to provide a context for the action plan to be developed.
During the course, the teams from each province drafted a joint action plan to address key barriers to implementing the World Health Organization's (WHO) policy on TB/HIV collaborative services in their respective areas. On the last day, the provincial teams presented their draft action plans to the group. The Union consultants will continue working with the provinces over the next 12 months and provide technical assistance as course participants put their plans into action.
The course faculty included Prof. Anthony Harries, Drs. Paula Fujiwara, Riitta Dlodlo and Lin Yan of The Union and Delphine Sculier of WHO. It was financially supported by the Global Fund to Fight AIDs, Tuberculosis and Malaria (The Global Fund).